Former X Factor contestant detained following collision with social media personality outside London nightclub
A former X Factor finalist and social media influencer has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car mounted a pavement in central London and struck three pedestrians, leaving one in a critical condition and another with life-changing injuries.
Gabrielle Carrington, a 29-year-old influencer who uses the online name RIELLEUK, was detained at the scene following the incident in Soho in the early hours of Sunday morning. The Metropolitan Police confirmed she is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink-driving.
The Early Hours Collision
According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 4:30am on Argyll Street, outside the Inca nightclub. Officers were called to reports that a black Mercedes had mounted the kerb and collided with pedestrians. The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
The most seriously injured is social media influencer and model Klaudia Zakrzewska, known online as Klaudiaglam. The Polish-born influencer, who has been a fashion ambassador for Fashion Nova and appeared on the series ‘Price of Perfection‘, remains in hospital in a critical condition.
A man in his 50s, who was reportedly unlocking an e-scooter at the time, sustained what police describe as life-changing injuries and was also taken to hospital. A third victim, a woman in her 30s, was treated for minor injuries.
Sequence of Events and Background
While the investigation is ongoing, it is believed the collision followed a heated argument outside the nightclub. Social media footage circulating online appears to show an altercation involving the two women, with bystanders attempting to intervene, before Carrington is seen entering her vehicle.
Video from the scene appears to show the car then accelerating towards a group on the pavement, striking Ms Zakrzewska, who disappears from view under the bonnet. Witnesses then rushed to help the injured and to confront the driver.
Gabrielle Carrington first found fame in 2013 when she reached the live finals of The X Factor as part of the girl group Miss Dynamix. She has since built a significant online presence as a Jamaican-American influencer, known for luxury lifestyle content and amassing over 360,000 Instagram followers. She has also been open about her plastic surgery journey online.
Both Carrington and Zakrzewska are reported to have lived part of their lives in Dubai, though the exact nature of their relationship prior to the incident has not been officially confirmed by police.
Police Investigation and Witness Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, of the Met’s Specialist Crime South command, is leading the investigation. She emphasised that while the incident happened in the early hours, many people would have been in the area as venues were still open.
“As our enquiries continue, our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones,” DCI Foxwell stated. “While this incident took place in the early hours of the morning, venues in the area were still open, and we believe a number of people will have seen what happened.”
The detective issued a direct appeal for witnesses, urging anyone with information to come forward. “I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or any activity prior to it that they feel may be of relevance, to come forward. The information you have – however minor you believe it may be – could be of crucial importance to investigators.”
Information can be provided to the Metropolitan Police by calling 101 and quoting reference 1404/19APR or 3374/19APR. Witnesses can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.
